In a recent notification, Eravikulam National Park, nestled in the picturesque hills of Munnar, Kerala, is set to welcome visitors once again starting April 1, 2025. The park had been temporarily closed to visitors during February and March to ensure the safety and well-being of the Nilgiri tahr during their calving season. Prominently famous for its significant population of the endangered Nilgiri tahr, a species of mountain goat endemic to the Western Ghats, the park also enjoys a heavy footfall owing to its other animals and peak seasons such as Christmas and New Year.
Eravikulam National Park, which is home to the endangered Nilgiri tahr, provides tourists with a singular chance to see these uncommon mountain goats in their native environment. Wildlife aficionados can enjoy a unique experience as the reopening falls around the time when baby tahrs can be spotted. The present number of these animals will be evaluated by a census that is planned after April 20.
Eravikulam National Park, Kerala's first ecotourism destination that is completely accessible to those with disabilities, ensures that all of its amenities are available to all guests. The park's carbon-negative status, which reflects efforts to minimise environmental impact, demonstrates its dedication to sustainability.
One of Kerala's top ecotourism sites, Eravikulam National Park is located in the Western Ghats close to Munnar and provides tourists with an opportunity to take in the state's breathtaking scenery and abundant biodiversity. The park, spanning 97 sq km, is well-known for its expansive, undulating grasslands with shola woods scattered throughout, which offer the endangered Nilgiri tahr a special home.
The park's ecotourism programmes, which are overseen by the Kerala Forest Department, prioritise responsible travel and conservation while guaranteeing a low environmental impact. To explore its unspoiled environment, see a variety of plants and animals, and enjoy stunning vistas of Anamudi Peak (South India's highest point), visitors can go on guided treks. The park is particularly well-known for the Neelakurinji flowers, which bloom once every 12 years and cover the hills in a vivid blue-purple colour.
How to reach: Eravikulam National Park is accessible from Kochi (148 km) and Coimbatore (175 km) airports, while the nearest town, Munnar (13 km), is well-connected by road from Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The closest railway stations are Alwaye (120 km) in Kerala and Coimbatore (160 km) in Tamil Nadu.
Motorable roads within the park include a route passing through the tourism zone at Rajamala and another at Lakkom Muthuvakudy, linking to Lakkom via a tea estate road on the Munnar-Udumalpet route. Beyond these, all exploration within the park is on foot along designated trails.
Best time to visit: The best time of the year to visit the park is during the summer months of April and May, when there are more animals and better weather. Since the monsoon season may bring restrictions because of excessive rains, travellers are recommended to arrange their trip before it begins.
Timings: The park remains open each day from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Entry fees: Indian citizens must pay INR 200 to enter, but foreign visitors must pay INR 500. For an extra INR 50, tickets can be obtained in advance at the Information Centre reservation desk in Munnar or bought online via the official website.
Rules: In order to protect the park's fragile nature, visitors are urged to abide by its rules. This includes following approved paths, avoiding upsetting wildlife, and appropriately disposing of rubbish. By adhering to these guidelines, visitors support the preservation initiatives that maintain Eravikulam National Park as a flourishing haven for its residents.
